The Mourning of the Exiles in Babylon

1371 By the rivers of Babylon , There we sat down and wept , When we remembered Zion . 2 Upon the willows in the midst of it We hung our harps . 3 For there our captors demanded of us songs , And our tormentors mirth , saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion ." 4 How can we sing the Lord'S song In a foreign land ? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem , May my right hand forget her skill. 6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth If I do not remember you, If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy .

7 Remember , O Lord , against the sons of Edom The day of Jerusalem , Who said , "Raze it, raze it To its very foundation ." 8 O daughter of Babylon , you devastated one, How blessed will be the one who repays you With the recompense with which you have repaid us. 9 How blessed will be the one who seizes and dashes your little ones Against the rock .